CLINICS

Test Results

Please call between 2.00 and 5.30pm to enquire about your test results as our reception staff will have more time to deal with your request between these times.

Note that the practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection and we will only release test results to the person to whom they relate unless that person has given prior permission for the release of this data or they are not capable of understanding the results.

When you take your test you will be told how long it will be before the results are returned to the practice.

It is your responsibility to check your results and to make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor if your are advised to do so.

We class as emergency any condition which is causing you concern or distress, usually new conditions or an old one which has got worse suddenly. For example:

Tonsillitis,

Chest infections

Sick children

Abdominal pains

Skin infections

Cystitis.

You will be seen by the duty doctor or nurse as appropriate. There may be a small wait when we are busy but this is usually much less than you will find in Accident and Emergency.

We cannot deal with suspected fractures, wounds that need stitching or nosebleeds that won’t stop – these are best seen by Accident and Emergency or the Minor Injuries Clinic.

Unless your condition really needs hospital treatment, it is better for you to be seen in the G.P. Surgery – we have your records which tell us about your previous illnesses and any medicines which haven’t suited you in the past. You will usually be seen quicker in the G.P. Surgery than in A&E. If you go to A&E with a condition which could be seen in your G.P.Surgery this will cause delay for those who really do need hospital treatment.

Please keep the emergency clinic free for those who need it, don’t try to use it for routine appointments.

Our triage nurses offer telephone advice - between 8.30am and 12 noon, between 2pm and 6.30pm our receptionist would be happy to ask our doctors if you are unsure as to where would be the best place to go for your problem then please phone uson 023 92663368and we will be happy to advise. Outside these hours advice can be obtained from the Out of hours Service 01962 718697 or NHS Direct 0845 4647.

EmergencyAmbulance Dial 999

Ambulance

When you think that the person’s life may be in danger without immediate treatment.

This telephone help service is available 24 hours a day365 days a year. NHS Direct can give guidance and advice on most medical conditions and can be contacted on: Tel 111

Note:It is sometimes a good idea toring NHS direct if you are unsure if calling out of hours, emergency ambulances or attending the A&E department

Pharmacies

Most Pharmacies have a qualified Pharmacist available,Pharmacist qualified to give general medical advice on various minor illnesses.However, if the Pharmacist is unable to help they will give advice on who you should see, this will generally be your GP.

The triage nurses Alison Hornerand Lisa Sheppard are available five mornings a week to see patients who haveurgent problems. They may be able to deal with your problem either on thetelephone or in person.

YOUR HEALTH

Blood Pressure – we wouldsuggest that you have your BP checked at least once every three years. ZoeGirdis our prescribing pharmacist assistsus with the management of our hypertension clinic.

Cervical smears – we recommend thatall women have a cervical smear following nationalguidelines.

Childhood Immunisations – thedoctor, practice nurse and health visitor can advise you on appropriateimmunisation prior to your appointment if you have any concerns.

Pre-conception – beforeconceiving women can seek advice about pregnancy from the doctor or practicenurse by making an appointment

Stop Smoking Clinic

Smoking – you are advised tostop for your own good health and that of your family. Once you have made thedecision to stop we are available for support and advice as required.Ask at the reception desk if you would liketo book an appointment for our stop smoking clinic.